LocationsGovernment, UNDP, and Partners launch the South Sudan Action Plan for Returns, Reintegration, and Recovery.
October 16, 2024
(L-R) Hon. Albino Akol Atak, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, H.E Rebecca Nyandeng Mabior, Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and the Chair of the Gender and Youth Cluster, Ms. Anita Kiki Ghebo, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary- General (DSRSG), Hon. Awut Deng Acuil, Minister of General Education and Instruction and Hon. Gatwech Peter Kulang, National Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC)
In a remarkable milestone for peace, stability, and development, the Government of South Sudan, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other stakeholders, launched the South Sudan Action Plan on Returns, Reintegration, and Recovery: Achieving Durable Solutions 2024-2028. The launch brought together key government and non-government stakeholders and is a centerpiece in addressing the issue of internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and returnees in a country that has been ravaged by war, natural disasters and displacement. The launch event which took place in Juba, was attended by national and international stakeholders. The strategy is focused on assisting the rehabilitation and resettling of displaced people into society and delineating the way forward for South Sudan in recovery.
Her Excellency Mama Rebecca Nyandeng Mabior, Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and Chair of the Gender and Youth Cluster, graced the occasion as the guest of honor. Also in attendance was Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG), Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan. Their presence showcased the collaborative spirit and shared commitment to solving one of South Sudan’s most pressing challenges -displacement.
During her speech, H.E. Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng Mabior maintained that to ensure peace and stability in South Sudan means that durable solutions must be found for displaced populations. “We must all have a common purpose to create the conditions under which all South Sudanese, especially the displaced persons, are treated with respect, given the chance to rebuild their lives, and to contribute to the progress of this country,” she emphasized
Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho reaffirmed the United Nations' commitment to working alongside the government in addressing humanitarian challenges while ensuring the integration of development and peacebuilding efforts. She highlighted the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach, noting, "Through collaboration, we can ensure that displaced persons return home voluntarily, safely, and with the necessary support to reintegrate and thrive."
Spanning the course of five years, The South Sudan Action Plan on Returns, Reintegration, and Recovery: Achieving Durable Solutions (2024-2028) provides a detailed framework on how the needs of displacement-affected populations will be addressed. The overall objective is to pool together available resources and efforts towards the implementation that aims at the safe and dignified return of the IDPs and refugees, their reintegration into the communities, and recovering those very communities. At its core, the Action Plan seeks to enhance the overall response by improving collaboration between the Governments, international humanitarian agencies, development partners, and peace- building actors. The strategy presents its focus areas including coverage of the supply of basic services, access to livelihoods , rehabilitation of infrastructures, and community conflict resolution approaches that support reintegration.
Stakeholders at the launch of the South Sudan Action Plan on Returns, Reintegration, and Recovery in Juba, South Sudan
The strategy is an advancement of the National Framework for Return, Reintegration, and Relocation of Displaced Persons which was first introduced in 2019. This newly structured Action Plan incorporates past experiences, such as the repatriation of South Sudanese citizens following the referendum held in 2010 while also considering the views of the local and international stakeholders who are presently working on ground.
To support the government in attaining Durable solutions, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has, among other efforts, set up the National Coordination and Operations Center (NCOC) that is situated in the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) premises in Juba where it is supposed to enhance disaster preparedness, resilience building, and response management. The NCOC will focus on coordinatio information dissemination, early warning, and response activities. Given that South Sudan is at risk of climate change-related disasters and man-made disasters, the setting up of the center is quite pertinent. It will improve the capacity of the state and its allies to respond to emergencies effectively while building the resilience of the communities for the long term. The Center aims to be proactive and calls for a response that is risk-informed such that response strategies are in place and operational before a disaster happens. NCOC shall also help to improve the country’s disaster management and recovery system by promoting resilience through efficient cooperation between all stakeholders, that is, government, humanitarian organizations, and the population.
The South Sudan Action Plan on Returns, Reintegration, and Recovery: Achieving Durable Solutions 2024-2028embraces a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, bringing together all sectors of society in pursuit of durable solutions. Key ministries, humanitarian and development partners, civil society, private sector actors, and the local population are all engaged in ensuring the plan’s successful implementation. This approach aligns with the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), particularly Chapter III, which calls for humanitarian assistance and reconstruction. It also complements the national priorities outlined in the National Development Strategy (NDS), which focuses on post-conflict reconstruction, economic recovery, and poverty reduction.
To protect and enhance these efforts, the Action Plan will be evaluated continuously. Comprehensive evaluation strategies will be employed to assess the degree of success and how reinforcing development objectives targeted in the plan regarding reintegration and recovery have been met over the five years. An end-of-term evaluation will also look at the developmental aspirations of the returnees and society in the long term.
The inauguration of the South Sudan Durable Solutions Strategy and the South Sudan Action Plan on Returns, Reintegration, and Recovery 2024-2028 is far beyond policy documents. It marks an effort by the government, the international community, and the indigenous groups to mitigate the consequences of displacement on the affected populations and their settling back into a reconciled society. This five-year strategy aims to outline a prescriptive approach that will facilitate the attainment of durable solutions defined as safe, dignified, and voluntary returns. South Sudan is making decisive advances in ensuring that all its citizens have a bright future with increased cooperation among national institutions, development partners, and even the private sector. "Most importantly, the resilience of our people is their greatest strength, and this plan proves it. We will make sure that the rebuilding of lives for our displaced brothers and sisters happens, and that there will be a South Sudan that is peaceful and prosperous as they all envisage," H.E Mama Rebecca Nyandeng stated.
Article written by : Maureen Anduro Omwanda